The Myths And Mystery Of The Cast Iron Radiator

By Author: Edward Hall
Total Articles: 93
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If you have a cast iron radiator at home that isn't housed in a radiator cabinet, you're doing yourself a great disservice on multiple fronts John Schied The Radiator Resource. It is claimed that radiator cabinets provide added functionality and appearance. As most cast iron radiators are beautifully ornate and are a feature in themselves, often quoted as a work of art in iron Paladin Radiators, it hardly seems right that to cover them would add to their appearance. Also the efficiency of cast iron is well documented as opposed to its modern counterpart, the steel radiator, so therefore coving the cast iron radiator detracts from its functionality and certainly does not add to it.

Radiator covers or cabinets were certainly an item to consider for safety reasons regarding excessive heat output before the days of thermostatic valves with their adjustable heat control and gone are the days when a radiator cabinet serves as a barrier between fragile people and items you care about and the hot iron coils of the cast iron radiator. Cast iron radiators have emerged from the dark ages and have found their place safely servicing ...
... the modern world.

Radiator covers also have the benefit of directing heated air in particular directions. This could increase the efficiency of your radiator and lower your heating bills The Radiator Resource. As the efficiency and heat output of a cast iron radiator is governed by its surface area and cast iron heats air far more efficiently that the modern equivalents i.e. aluminium and steel, one can hardly see the benefits of covering and stifling this gentle well known heating method with wood coverings and it certainly would not increase the efficiency nor lower the heating bills. Since when has a radiator cabinet maker been a heating engineer?

Getting a central vacuum may take care of the mess, reducing the fire hazard that cast iron radiators pose. Cast Iron Radiator Safety Tips May 2009. There is a myth that cast iron radiators are very dusty therefore creating mess and a fire hazard, however quite the opposite is true when compared to modern radiators. Modern radiators work by convection and as they circulate air around the room they will also circulate dust. Cast iron radiators work by gently radiating heat causing less air and dust movement and in turn causing less dust allergies to occur.

Also the nature of cast iron provides us with a more constant consistent heat source without the rapid hot then cold properties of steel. A cast iron radiator once switched off will lose its heat gradually which is far more comforting and healthy. Many people who enjoy cast iron radiators within their homes have noticed the gentler ambient healthier heat which radiates from these radiators. Heating your home space with cast iron is also more effective when combating damp or condensation and so therefore a positive advantage for asthma sufferers. The old cast iron hospital and school radiators certainly had their hidden benefits.

Cast iron is certainly a more health friendly option for the home and one should not be concerned at all about safety issues if the radiator is safely installed with proper wall brackets and thermostatic valves incorporated. Cast iron radiators should be enjoyed and not feared as a safety hazard in the home.

Edward Hall after 25 years in the plumbing and heating industry now writes and imparts his knowledge on the many varied radiators for sale on the market today. He has a great deal of experience on the subject matter and especially in the arena of cast iron radiators and reproduction cast iron radiators.